The analog movie renaissance continues to maneuver ahead as MiNT’s Rollei 35AF digicam seems set to be launched this 12 months. The Hong Kong-based digicam maker first launched boutique prompt movie cameras, incorporating classics just like the Polaroid SX-70. Now it has launched an internet site with a ready record for potential clients within the small 35mm digicam.
The Rollei 35AF is the reincarnation of the unique Rollei 35 from 1966, however whereas nonetheless firmly caught within the analog previous, the brand new design options lidar-based autofocus and autoexposure choices for its 35mm f/2.8 lens. It nonetheless has the identical boxy steel physique as the unique and appears to take care of a really compact dimension. In line with reviews from MiNT through PetaPixel and Kosmo Foto, the Rollei 35AF is anticipated to price between US$650 and US$800 when it’s launched later this 12 months.
With Leica re-releasing the M6 rangefinder in 2022 and rumors {that a} new Pentax movie digicam could also be on the best way, new movie cameras that are not simply reusable disposables look like catching on. I personally shudder on the present movie costs and lab improvement prices, however I nonetheless love that the analog images bubble hasn’t burst but.
I bear in mind utilizing the unique Rollei 35 in school a number of years in the past and it was a enjoyable little digicam – albeit one which made calls for on many customers. Not solely did the unique have a guide focus lens (the unique was 40mm), however it additionally relied on zone focus through a spotlight scale and a few muscle reminiscence. It could be actually attention-grabbing to see what the AF remix of the Rolleiflex seems like.
